Cottage Cheese As Late Night Snack May Boost Health: Study

Do you feel guilty about late night snacking that can lead to weight gain? Switching to a protein-filled snack like cottage cheese may help, a study has found. Researchers at the Florida State University (FSU) in the US found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed appears to have a positive effect on muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health.

In the study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, participants -- active young women in their early 20s -- ate samples of cottage cheese 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Researchers specifically wanted to see if this food may have an impact on the metabolic rate and muscle recovery.

This is one of the first nutrition studies where participants consumed a whole food as opposed to a protein shake or some form of supplement, researchers said.

"Until now, we presumed that whole food would act similarly to the data on supplemental protein, but we had no real evidence," said Michael Ormsbee, an associate professor at FSU.

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"This is important because it adds to the body of literature that indicates that whole foods work just as well as protein supplementation, and it gives people options for presleep nutrition that go beyond powders and shaker bottles," Ormsbee said.

The results serve as a foundation for future research on precise metabolic responses to whole food consumption, researchers said.

"While protein supplements absolutely have their place, it is important to begin pooling data for foods and understanding the role they can play in these situations," said former FSU graduate student Samantha Leyh.

"Like the additive and synergistic effects of vitamins and minerals when consumed in whole food forms such as fruits or veggies, perhaps whole food sources may follow suit," said Leyh.

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"While we can't generalize for all whole foods as we have only utilized cottage cheese, this research will hopefully open the door to future studies doing just that," she said.

Ormsbee said that his research team will start examining more presleep food options and longer-term studies to learn more about the optimal food choices that can aid individuals in recovery from exercise, repair, and regeneration of muscle and overall health.

"There is much more to uncover in this area of study," he said.